Karlie Burkhardt

Caring for neonates and infants in a high acuity Level IV NICU

• Monitoring vital signs including temperature, breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. Detecting subtle changes to catch early signs of sickness in neonates.
• Performing admissions assessments on new patients including obtaining health histories and evaluating current health status.
• Administering medications, fluids, and nutrition either intravenously or through feeding tubes. Managing sedation, pain, and blood pressure IV titrations.
• Providing respiratory support through mechanical ventilation, CPAP, and other oxygen delivery devices.
• Operating complex medical equipment including ventilators, incubators, infant warmers, and phototherapy devices for jaundice.
• Conducting diagnostic tests such as x-rays, MRIs, CTs, and blood draws
• Performing hands-on patient care including diaper changes, bathing, dressing, and repositioning.
• Communicating with the healthcare team to coordinate care plans and discuss patient progress. Strong collaboration optimizes outcomes.
• Educating and supporting families on their baby's care, medical conditions, procedures, and developmental milestones.
• Providing discharge education and planning to help transition babies home safely.
• Maintaining accurate documentation and detailed records on treatments, medications, and any changes in condition.

Provided Care in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

• Provided Care to patients from 1 - 40 years old with complex pediatric conditions.
• Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
• Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
• Monitored and maintained cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of assigned station and service areas.
• Attended to patient and family's immediate needs and concerns by acknowledging and providing required attention.
• Recorded temperature, blood pressure, pulse, or respiration rate as directed by medical or nursing staff.
• Recognized and reported abnormalities or changes in patients' health status to the patient's nurse.